Earlier this week, the National Sector Partners Group (of which the Youth Sport Trust is a member) held a Parliamentary reception urging MPs to make increasing physical activity levels a priority over the course of this Parliament.

With the general election in July delivering a change in government and 335 new MPs, the sport, recreation and physical activity sector is keen to strengthen our ties across Parliament and encourage MPs and Peers to support our proposals to empower more children and young people to get active.

More than 40 MPs joined representatives from across the physical activity sector, and we were delighted attendees included school leaders the Youth Sport Trust works with, as well as Sara from our Youth Board.

We were joined by the new Sport Minister Stephanie Peacock MP, who told the room the new Government is “committed to rebuilding the foundations of our country and I am going to ensure that sport and physical activity is at the heart of that.” She singled out the recent School Games National Finals as an example of the importance of providing opportunities for children and young people so they can access the benefits associated with sport.

With the Curriculum and Assessment Review underway, the Budget and Spending Review on the horizon and the Children’s Wellbeing Bill soon to begin its passage through Parliament, there are many opportunities on the political horizon to make the case for empowering children and young people to be physically active. We will continue working with our partners to push for change so every child can access the life-changing benefits of play and sport.